Nationals personnel department

A few quick comings and goings from Jupiter:

*Cristian Guzman is scheduled to pinch hit today in Viera and then start at shortstop tomorrow. Jim Riggleman still wants to see Guzman throw at full strength during a game to prove himself ready for opening day. Riggleman said they Nationals are "confident that he'll be fine," but he'd also like to see Guzman actually do it.

"I don't think he's been challenged with anything to his right, where he's really airing anything out," Riggleman said. "I think the only way we're going to know how he's feeling is just game situations. He's got to let it go. We're going to see it when a play happens."

*Michael Burgess and Destin Hood traveled with the Nationals to Jupiter as reserves. They may or may not play, but "you always like to see your guys in your system," Riggleman said.

*John Lannan should throw four innings today after he threw about 80 pitches in a simulated game, which was forced by last week's rain. Lannan will not bat because the Cardinals requested a designated hitter. Craig Stammen will hit in Viera, as Garrett Mock did last night. Riggleman wants to start getting his pitchers some at-bats as the season nears.

Guzman and Kennedy have had no time to work together and get used to each other. Ordinarily, that would be a huge concern for a team 3 weeks from Opening Day.

But then again, since the Nats don't really care about competing this year, I guess it's not a big deal. Since they don't care about competing this year though, why is Guzman starting anyway? Give Desmond the shot and let's see what he can do.